New International VersionThere the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them.
New Living TranslationThe LORD will be our Mighty One. He will be like a wide river of protection that no enemy can cross, that no enemy ship can sail upon.
English Standard VersionBut there the LORD in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor majestic ship can pass.
Berean Standard BibleBut there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass.
King James BibleBut there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
New King James VersionBut there the majestic LORD will be for us A place of broad rivers and streams, In which no galley with oars will sail, Nor majestic ships pass by
New American Standard BibleBut there the majestic One, the LORD, will be for us A place of rivers and wide canals On which no boat with oars will go, And on which no mighty ship will pass—
NASB 1995But there the majestic One, the LORD, will be for us A place of rivers and wide canals On which no boat with oars will go, And on which no mighty ship will pass—
NASB 1977But there the majestic One, the LORD, shall be for us A place of rivers and wide canals, On which no boat with oars shall go, And on which no mighty ship shall pass—
Legacy Standard BibleBut there the Mighty One, Yahweh, will be for us A place of rivers and wide canals On which no boat with oars will go, And on which no mighty ship will pass—
Amplified BibleBut there the mighty and magnificent LORD will be for us A place of broad rivers and streams, Where no oar-driven boat will go, And on which no mighty and stately ship will pass.
Christian Standard BibleFor the majestic one, our LORD, will be there, a place of rivers and broad streams where ships that are rowed will not go, and majestic vessels will not pass.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor the majestic One, our LORD, will be there, a place of rivers and broad streams where ships that are rowed will not go, and majestic vessels will not pass.
American Standard VersionBut there Jehovah will be with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams, wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
Contemporary English VersionOur wonderful LORD will be with us! There will be deep rivers and wide streams safe from enemy ships.
English Revised VersionBut there the LORD will be with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe LORD will be our mighty defender in a place surrounded by wide rivers and streams. Ships with oars won't travel on them. Stately ships won't sail on them.
Good News TranslationThe LORD will show us his glory. We will live beside broad rivers and streams, but hostile ships will not sail on them.
International Standard VersionBut there the LORD in majesty will be for us our source of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, where no stately ship can sail.
NET BibleInstead the LORD will rule there as our mighty king. Rivers and wide streams will flow through it; no war galley will enter; no large ships will sail through.
New Heart English BibleBut there the LORD will be with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will go, neither will any gallant ship pass by there.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut there the glorious LORD will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams; in which shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass through it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass.
World English BibleBut there Yahweh will be with us in majesty, a place of wide rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will go, neither will any gallant ship pass by there. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBut YHWH [is] mighty for us there, "" A place of rivers—streams of broad sides, "" No ship with oars goes into it, "" And a mighty ship does not pass over it.
Young's Literal Translation But there mighty is Jehovah for us, A place of rivers -- streams broad of sides, No ship with oars doth go into it, And a mighty ship doth not pass over it.
Smith's Literal TranslationBut there the mighty Jehovah to us a place of rivers, rivers broad of hands; a ship with the oar shall not go in it, and a mighty ship shall not pass over it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBecause only there our Lord is magnificent: it place of rivers, very broad and spacious streams: no ship with oars shall pass by it, neither shall the great galley pass through it.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor only in that place has our Lord been magnified. It is a place of rivers, very broad and open. No ship with oars will cross through it, nor will the great Greek ship pass through it.
New American BibleIndeed the LORD in majesty will be there for us a place of rivers and wide streams on which no galley may go, where no majestic ship may pass.
New Revised Standard VersionBut there the LORD in majesty will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars can go, nor stately ship can pass. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor there the name of the LORD is glorious to us; he will be for us a place of light, an enlightenment, and an open space made by the hand; wherein the authority of a prince shall not reign, neither shall the mighty one be able to invade it.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBecause The Name of LORD JEHOVAH is glorious to us, and he shall be a place of light and brightness to us, and an expanse round about where the authority of a Prince shall not reign, and the mighty man who is found shall not pass through in it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But there the LORD will be with us in majesty, In a place of broad rivers and streams; Wherein shall go no galley with oars, Neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.
Brenton Septuagint Translationfor the name of the Lord is great to you: ye shall have a place, even rivers and wide and spacious channels: thou shalt not go this way, neither a vessel with oars go thereby.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The LORD is Exalted… 20Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken. 21Buttherethe Majestic One,our LORD,will be for usa placeof riversand widecanals,where nogalleywith oarswill row,and nomajesticvesselwill pass.22For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.…
Cross References Revelation 22:1-2Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb / down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Ezekiel 47:1-12Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. / Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. / As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. ...
Psalm 46:4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
John 7:38Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”
Zechariah 14:8And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike.
Revelation 21:1-3Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. / I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.
Psalm 36:8They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights.
John 4:14But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame. All who turn away will be written in the dust, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.
Revelation 7:17For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Psalm 65:9You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth.
John 6:35Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.
Joel 3:18And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias.
Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.
Psalm 87:7Singers and pipers will proclaim, “All my springs of joy are in You.”
Treasury of Scripture But there the glorious LORD will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. the glorious Psalm 29:3 The voice of the LORDis upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORDis upon many waters. Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them… a place Psalm 46:4,5There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holyplace of the tabernacles of the most High… broad rivers and streams. Jump to Previous BladesBoatBroadCanalsFairGloriousGloryMajesticMajestyOarsRideRiversSailShipStatelyStreamsTherebyWhereinWideJump to Next BladesBoatBroadCanalsFairGloriousGloryMajesticMajestyOarsRideRiversSailShipStatelyStreamsTherebyWhereinWideIsaiah 33 1.God's judgments against the enemies of the church13.The consternation of sinners, and privileges of the godlyBut there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for usThis phrase emphasizes the presence and sovereignty of God among His people. The term "Majestic One" highlights God's supreme authority and glory. In the context of Isaiah, this is a promise of divine intervention and protection for Jerusalem. The phrase "our LORD" signifies a personal relationship between God and His people, reflecting the covenant relationship established with Israel. This echoes the assurance found in other scriptures, such as Psalm 46:1, where God is described as a refuge and strength. a place of rivers and wide canals
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rivers and canals were symbols of prosperity, life, and security. Unlike many other cities, Jerusalem did not have a major river, making this imagery particularly striking. It suggests a supernatural provision and blessing, reminiscent of the river flowing from the temple inEzekiel 47:1-12, symbolizing the life-giving presence of God. This imagery also points to the eschatological hope of a new creation where God's presence brings abundance and peace. where no galley with oars will row
This phrase indicates a place of peace and security, free from the threat of invading forces. Galleys with oars were often used in warfare, representing human strength and military power. The absence of such vessels suggests divine protection, where human efforts and threats are rendered powerless. This can be connected to the promise of peace inIsaiah 2:4, where nations will no longer lift swords against each other. and no majestic vessel will pass
The mention of a "majestic vessel" further underscores the idea of security from powerful adversaries. In the ancient world, large ships were symbols of wealth and military might. The assurance that no such vessel will pass signifies that God's people will not be subject to foreign domination or exploitation. This reflects the ultimate victory and peace promised in the messianic kingdom, as seen inRevelation 21:1-4, where God dwells with His people, and there is no more threat or sorrow. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Majestic One (LORD)Refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and grandeur. In Hebrew, "Majestic One" is often associated with God's divine kingship and authority. 2. Rivers and Wide CanalsSymbolic of peace, abundance, and divine provision. In the context of ancient Israel, water bodies were crucial for sustenance and prosperity. 3. Galley with OarsRepresents human effort and military might. In ancient times, galleys were warships powered by rowers, symbolizing human strength and aggression. 4. Mighty ShipAnother symbol of human power and commerce. The absence of such ships indicates a reliance on God's provision rather than human strength. 5. Jerusalem (implied)The city of God, often seen as a place of divine presence and protection, where God Himself provides security and sustenance. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProvisionTrust in God's provision rather than human strength or resources. He is the ultimate source of peace and security. Divine Peace and SecurityGod's presence brings peace that surpasses human understanding, eliminating the need for human defenses or efforts. Spiritual AbundanceJust as rivers and canals provide physical sustenance, God's presence offers spiritual nourishment and abundance. Reliance on GodEncourage believers to rely on God in times of trouble, recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways. Symbolism of WaterWater is a recurring symbol of life and purity in Scripture. Reflect on how God's presence purifies and sustains us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 33:21?
2.How does Isaiah 33:21 depict God's protection and provision for believers today?
3.What does "a place of broad rivers and streams" symbolize in Isaiah 33:21?
4.How can Isaiah 33:21 inspire trust in God's sovereignty over life's challenges?
5.Connect Isaiah 33:21 with Psalm 46:1-3 regarding God's presence and refuge.
6.How can believers apply the imagery of Isaiah 33:21 in daily spiritual life?
7.What does Isaiah 33:21 reveal about God's role as a protector and provider?
8.How does Isaiah 33:21 reflect the theme of divine sovereignty?
9.In what ways does Isaiah 33:21 challenge our understanding of God's presence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 33?
11.What are the different names for God?
12.What are the main themes of the Bible's books?
13.Who was King Manasseh in the Bible?
14.What does 'I will not give my glory to another' mean?What Does Isaiah 33:21 Mean But there• “There” points back to Zion, “the city of our appointed feasts” (Isaiah 33:20). • The certainty of God’s intervention is tied to a real place, not an idea. Zion will actually experience the promise, echoing God’s pattern of locating His presence among His people (Exodus 25:8;Revelation 21:3). • The contrast is with the Assyrian threat described earlier: the enemy is “here,” but deliverance is “there,” where God chooses to dwell.
the Majestic One• God is described with royal splendor; He is not merely present—He is glorious. ComparePsalm 29:4, “The voice of the LORD is majestic.” • His majesty assures victory; no human power can rival Him (Isaiah 2:10–11).
our LORD• Covenant language—He is “ours.” The same LORD who brought Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 6:7) stands with them in Zion. • Relationship precedes rescue; belonging to Him guarantees His aid (Psalm 118:6;Romans 8:31).
will be for us• God is not distant; He “will be for us.” This phrase mirrorsRomans 8:31 andPsalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength.” • His being “for us” means provision, protection, and presence all wrapped together.
a place of rivers and wide canals• Jerusalem had no natural river, yet God promises waterways—a picture of super-natural supply. • Life-giving abundance: seePsalm 46:4, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,” andRevelation 22:1. • Wide canals speak of peace and commerce rather than warfare (Isaiah 60:5). • Spiritually, Jesus echoes this promise inJohn 7:38: “Rivers of living water will flow from within.”
where no galley with oars will row• Enemy warships depended on oars; they symbolize aggressive, human-driven power. • God’s waterways are unassailable—no hostile fleet can penetrate (Exodus 14:28;Psalm 20:7). • The image reassures Judah that Assyria’s might cannot navigate into God’s protected city.
and no majestic vessel will pass• Even great, sail-driven ships—symbols of imperial pride (1 Kings 10:22;Ezekiel 27:25)—are barred. • God alone holds majesty in His domain; human grandeur is excluded (Isaiah 2:17). • The promise combines safety and sanctity: Zion’s waterways belong exclusively to the LORD and His people.
summaryIsaiah 33:21 paints a vivid, literal picture: in Zion God Himself becomes an abundant, life-sustaining river system, securing His people from every invading power. His majestic presence supplies what the city lacks, satisfies every need, and establishes an impregnable defense. The verse calls believers to trust the LORD’s covenant faithfulness—He is both the stream that refreshes and the wall that protects, now and forever. (21) A place of broad rivers and streams . . .--Better, rivers and canals.The bold imagery has its starting-point in what the prophet had heard of the great cities of the Tigris and Euphrates. What those rivers were to Nineveh and Babylon, that the presence of Jehovah would be to Jerusalem, that could boast only of the softly going waters of Shiloah ( Isaiah 8:6). Here, again, we have an echo of Psalms 46 : "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." The words help us to understand the symbolism of Ezekiel's vision of the "river that could not be passed over," flowing out of the Temple ( Ezekiel 47:1-5). And the spiritual river of the Divine Presence would have this advantage over those of which the great cities boasted, that no hostile fleet, no pirate ships, could use it for their attacks. So in Psalm 48:7 the "ships of Tarshish" are probably to be taken 'figuratively rather than literally' for the Assyrian forces. Verse 21. - But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a Place of broad rivers; rather, there in majesty the Lord is ours; [ the Lord who is] a Place of broad rivers, etc. Some critics think that "a place of broad rivers" may be exegetical of sham, "there," and so apply it to Jerusalem; but the majority regard the phrase as applied directly to Jehovah. As he is "a Place to hide in" ( Psalm 32:7; Psalm 119:114), so he may be "a Place of broad rivers," full, i.e. of refreshment and spiritual blessing. Wherein shall go no galley. The river of God's grace, which "makes glad the city of God, "shall bear no enemy on its surface, allow no invader to cross it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Butאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notthereשָׁ֞ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherthe Majestic One,אַדִּ֤יר(’ad·dîr)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 117:Wide, large, powerfulour LORD,יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel[will be] for usלָ֔נוּ(lā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrewa placeמְקוֹם־(mə·qō·wm-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionof riversנְהָרִ֥ים(nə·hā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5104:A stream, prosperityand wideרַחֲבֵ֣י(ra·ḥă·ḇê)Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7342:Wide, broadcanals,יְאֹרִ֖ים(yə·’ō·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2975:Nile -- a channel, a fosse, canal, shaft, the Nile, the Tigriswhere noבַּל־(bal-)Adverb
Strong's 1077:A failure, nothing, not at all, lestgalleyאֳנִי־(’o·nî-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 590:Ships, a fleetwith oarsשַׁ֔יִט(ša·yiṭ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7885:An oar, a, scourgewill go,תֵּ֤לֶךְ(tê·leḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand majesticאַדִּ֖יר(’ad·dîr)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 117:Wide, large, powerfulvesselsוְצִ֥י(wə·ṣî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6716:A shipwill notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nopass.יַעַבְרֶֽנּוּ׃(ya·‘aḇ·ren·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass on
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 33:21 But there Yahweh will be with us (Isa Isi Is) |
